The Prayers of the People

The Leader and People pray responsively

Father, we pray for your holy Catholic Church; That we all may be one.

Grant that every member of the Church may truly and humbly serve you;

That your Name may be glorified by all people.

We pray for all bishops, priests, and deacons;

That they may be faithful ministers of your Word and Sacraments.

We pray for all who govern and hold authority in the nations of the world;

That there may be justice and peace on the earth.

Give us grace to do your will in all that we undertake;

That our works may find favor in your sight.

Have compassion on those who suffer from any grief or trouble;

That they may be delivered from their distress.

Give to the departed eternal rest;

Let light perpetual shine upon them.

We praise you for your saints who have entered into joy;

May we also come to share in your heavenly kingdom.

Let us pray for our own needs and those of others.

The Peace

Celebrant The peace of the Lord be always with you. People And with thy spirit.

The People greet one another in the name of the Lord.

Celebration, Blessing, and Sending of Graduating Seniors and Their Families

The parents come forward with their seniors. Friends and family members are invited to lay a hand upon their shoulder as the prayer is pronounced.

Prayer for the Parents

Let us pray,

God of mercy and love, enfold these parents with your grace. Increase in them a spirit of wisdom and generosity. Teach them to release into your care those whom they hold most dear. Help them to remember that they can neither walk the journey for their children nor shield them from pain. Renew their strength and rekindle their passion as they discover anew your calling on their lives. And carry them all safely back to one another, so that one day they may stand together as adults and friends — a holy Family — from generation to generation. Amen.

The graduating seniors are now offered a prayer. Their parents, friends, and family are invited to lay a hand upon their shoulder as the prayer is pronounced.

Prayer for Graduating Seniors

Let us pray,

Gracious God, we give you thanks for these young people and we celebrate the men and women they have become. As their lives become more their own, make your presence known to them. Surround them with true friends and steadfast mentors. Help them to discover their own giftedness and to use those gifts to your Glory. Keep far away those temptations which would keep them from becoming whom you intend them to be. Awaken in them a desire for what is truly good, as they go forth to do the work you have given them to do. Amen.

The graduating seniors and their parents stand together side by side. And now we pray, protect and bless these young people and their parents. “May The Lord bless you and keep you; May the Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious unto you; May the Lord lift His countenance upon you, and give you peace.” Amen.